A LOUGHBOROUGH man is embarking on a challenging 120 mile sponsored bike ride to raise funds for Leicestershire cancer research charity, Hope Against Cancer.

The charity provides funding for cancer research projects and supports clinical trials in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Mark Mercala was diagnosed with cancer of the tonsils in 2016 - his treatment involved surgery followed by intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

He had six months off work and was given the ‘all clear’ in December 2016.

He said: “Life with and after cancer is not easy – hardships persist for years and being diagnosed at 49 years of age affected me and those who I love. Despite all of the challenges which arise, it is important for those who have been diagnosed with cancer to know that the community cares and will not give up on us. I have been training regularly for the bike ride and hope to raise lots of money for Hope Against Cancer.”

The sponsored bike ride on May 26 will be carried out by Mark and a friend, who has committed to do a lengthy 120 miles from Loughborough to Uxbridge in just one day.

It is Mark’s latest fund-raiser for the charity after he hosted a mini Christmas Fair at his house with wife Lesley which raised £2,600 for the Hope against Cancer coffers.

Nigel Rose, Hope Against Cancer chief executive, said: “Mark is an inspiration to us all in so many ways, and we are all rooting for him on his bike ride in May.”